JP2023542579A - Strip applicator, strip winding station, and method for applying strip to a strip winding drum - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a strip applicator, a strip winding station, and a method for applying a strip to a strip winding drum, the strip applicator comprising an applicator member for applying a strip to a strip winding drum in an application position. and a feeding section for receiving the strip in the input direction at the feeding position and feeding the strip to the applicator member in the output direction, the applicator member being configured to receive the strip in the output direction for offsetting the application position with respect to the feeding position. the feeding section is movable in a lateral offset direction with respect to the feed section, the feeding section having an input member in a feeding position for receiving the strip in the input direction and an output member for outputting the strip to the applicator member in the output direction. and the output member is movable relative to the input member in an offset direction from a starting position toward an offset position.

Description

The present invention relates to a strip applicator, a strip winding station, and a method for applying strip to a strip winding drum.

Methods of applying strips to a strip-winding drum are known, in which a strip applicator feeds the strip to the strip-winding drum while the drum rotates about the drum axis to spread the strip around its circumference. Collect several turns around and finally form the tire component. The strip winding drum briefly moves relative to the strip applicator in an axial direction parallel to the drum axis to create a small transition area at the end of each turn, transitioning the strip from one turn to the next. except that each turn extends in a plane perpendicular to the drum axis. During the transition, the strip winding drum continues to rotate about the drum axis.

Alternatively, in US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/126846 A1, the feeding means, i.e. the extruder, moves generally relative to the drum to indicate the transition from one winding to the next. Obtain the slope area.

The disadvantage of moving a strip-wound drum is that it is relatively heavy and cannot be accelerated and decelerated axially fast enough. The extruder is also relatively heavy, so moving the feeding means is not a good alternative. Furthermore, the feeding infrastructure upstream of the drum often comprises not only an extruder. In particular, the supply infrastructure may further comprise raw material feed means, buffers, festooners, dancer rollers, associated electronics, etc. If the extruder is moved, the entire feeding infrastructure must move with the extruder.

If the strip winding drum or the feeding means moves too slowly, the transition area will be relatively large. This may affect the uniformity and/or consistency of the formed tire component, especially in the first and last turns where such transition areas leave gaps at the side edges of the formed tire component. may be damaged. Although not required, the rotation of the strip winding drum about the drum axis is reduced in order to keep the transition area and any gaps as small as possible. However, this measure significantly increases the cycle time of the strip winding process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a strip applicator, a strip winding station, and a method for applying a strip to a strip winding drum, which can improve the consistency and/or uniformity of the tire components formed. It is to provide.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a strip applicator for applying a strip to a strip winding drum, the strip applicator comprising an applicator for applying a strip to a strip winding drum in an application position. a feed section for receiving the strip in an input direction at a feed position and feeding the strip to an applicator member in an output direction, the applicator member for offsetting the application position with respect to the feed position. The supply section is movable in an offset direction transverse to the output direction, and the supply section has an input member in a supply position for receiving the strip in the input direction and an output for outputting the strip to the applicator member in the output direction. a member, the output member being movable relative to the input member from the starting position toward the offset position at least in a vector component in the offset direction.

By creating an offset between the input member and the output member, the feeding infrastructure upstream of the input member can be kept in place, and the remainder of the feeding section is controlled by movement of the applicator member in the offset direction. can be followed. As a result, the mass and/or complexity of the delivery infrastructure does not compromise the ability of the delivery section to follow the applicator member. In particular, the applicator member and the output member can be designed with relatively low inertia and can therefore be rapidly accelerated and decelerated in order to keep the transition area between turns as small as possible. As a result, the consistency and/or uniformity of the tire components formed can be improved.

In a preferred embodiment, the output member is configured to remain aligned or substantially aligned with the applicator member in the output direction as the output member moves from the starting position towards the offset position. In other words, the output member and the applicator member are movable synchronously in the offset direction. Accordingly, the portion of the strip extending between the output member and the applicator member may remain aligned or parallel to the output direction. In other words, the output direction can remain the same while the output member and applicator member move in the offset direction.

In another embodiment, the strip applicator comprises an applicator holder for holding an applicator member, the feed section comprises a feed holder for holding an output member, and the applicator holder and the feed holder are offset mechanically interconnected to synchronize movement of the applicator member and output member in the directions. By mechanically interconnecting the holders, i.e. integrally or by means of connecting frames or connecting members, it is possible to ensure synchronization of the movement of the holders in the offset direction, and thus: Movement of the applicator member and the output member in the offset direction can be reliably synchronized. More specifically, both the applicator member and the output member can be moved synchronously using a single drive.

In a further embodiment, the feeding section defines a feeding path for the strip, the feeding path being transverse to the output direction and the offset direction between the input member and the output member when the output member is in the starting position. and a transition segment that extends in a starting orientation and tilts to an offset orientation that is oblique to the starting orientation when the output member is in the offset position. In a diagonal offset orientation, the transition segment can bridge the gap between the input member and the output member in the offset direction.

Preferably, the transition segment extends in the starting orientation in a transition direction transverse or perpendicular to the offset and output directions. Thus, by tilting the transition segment, a strip moving along said transition segment can be transported from the input member toward the output member in a transition direction that has an increasing component in the offset direction.

In a further embodiment thereof, the transition segment is tiltable about a first twist axis parallel or substantially parallel to the input direction. Preferably, the input member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface, and the first twist axis is a tangent to the circumferential surface of the roller body of the input member. More preferably, the input member is configured to receive the strip in an input direction along an input path, and the first twist axis coincides or substantially coincides with the input path. By tilting the transition segment about the first twist axis, the strip is primarily subjected to twisting about the first twist axis along the input path, i.e. about the longitudinal axis of the strip. More specifically, stretching or compression of the strip on one of its longitudinal sides can be prevented.

In a further embodiment, the output member comprises a roller body having a circumferential surface, the applicator member comprises a roller body having a circumferential surface, and the output member comprises a tangent between the circumferential surface of the output member and the circumferential surface of the applicator member. is tiltable relative to the applicator member about a second twisting axis. Therefore, in order to facilitate the offset of the output member in the offset direction, the part of the strip moving between the output member and the applicator member is primarily centered around the second twist axis, i.e. along the longitudinal axis of the strip. undergoes torsion about the directional axis. More specifically, stretching or compression of the strip on one of its longitudinal sides can be prevented.

In a further embodiment, the input member and the output member are generally tiltable about the first twist axis. Thus, the input member can follow the tilt of the output member and remain in the same orientation relative to the output member. As a result, the portion of the strip extending along the transition segment between the input and output members remains substantially constant, i.e., without twisting or bending, during the tilting of the input and output members. be able to.

Preferably, the supply section comprises a supply holder for holding the input member and the output member relative to the first twisting axis, the supply holder, the input member and the output member extending generally about the first twisting axis. It can be tilted as Therefore, the input member and the output member can be supported by a common holder, thus eliminating the need to support and/or move the input member and the output member individually.

More preferably, the supply holder includes a first holder part that holds the input member and a second holder part that holds the output member, the second holder part extending with respect to the first holder part. direction, and moves the input member and the output member away from each other. Simply tilting the output member about the first twist axis causes the output member to move in a circular trajectory with a vector component in the offset direction. In this particular embodiment, the output members can be moved simultaneously in the stretching direction to at least partially compensate for the circular trajectory. Therefore, the output member can follow a substantially straight path in the offset direction despite the tilt about the first twist axis.

More preferably, the second holder part is telescopically movable in the stretching direction with respect to the first holder part. Thereby, a part of the second holder part can be accommodated in the first holder part.

Additionally or alternatively, the stretching direction is perpendicular or transverse to the first twist axis. Therefore, by stretching the second holder portion in the stretching direction, a radial component can be added to the inclination of the output member about the first twist axis.

In an alternative embodiment, the feed section comprises a first diverting member for receiving the strip from the input member and a second diverting member for directing the strip toward the output member, and the transition segment , defined between the first redirection member and the second redirection member. Preferably, the first redirection member is located on a side of the input member opposite the output member and/or the second redirection member is located on a side of the output member opposite the input member. do. The deflection member may initially deflect the strip in a direction other than the direction of transition of the transition segment, for example to provide a significantly longer transition segment. If the transition segment is longer, the transition segment can be tilted over a relatively small angle into an oblique offset orientation to achieve the same offset of the output member in the offset direction compared to a shorter transition segment.

In a further embodiment, the input member comprises a roller body having a peripheral surface rotatable about the input axis, and the first deflection member has a first deflection axis transverse or perpendicular to the input axis. The roller body has a circumferential surface that is rotatable around the roller body. To optimally position the strip before entering the transition segment, the strip can be twisted approximately 90 degrees between the input member and the first turning member. In particular, the strip may be configured with its flat side around the first deflection member to prevent stretching or compression of its longitudinal edges.

Preferably, the output member comprises a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable about the output shaft, and the second deflection member is rotatable about a second deflection axis transverse or perpendicular to the output shaft. The roller body includes a roller body having a circumferential surface that is rotatable. Accordingly, the strip may be twisted back through approximately 90 degrees between the second deflection member and the output member to return the strip to its original orientation after leaving the transition segment.

More preferably, the first turning axis and the second turning axis are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Thus, the strip can be kept in the same or substantially the same orientation while moving through the transition segment.

In a further embodiment, the first deflection member comprises a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable about the first deflection axis, and the transition segment is tiltable about the first deflection axis. be. Slanting the transition segment over the entire length between the first diverting member and the second diverting member ensures that the arcuate movement of the second diverting member over a small angle is approximately linear, i.e. primarily It has the advantage of being in an offset direction.

In a further embodiment, the second deflection member and the output member are linearly movable in an offset direction. Instead of tilting about the first turning axis, the strip may be slightly elongated as a result of a linear movement. However, if the transition segment is long enough and/or the angle is small enough, the amount of elongation is not important.

In another embodiment, the input member comprises a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable about an input axis, and the output member comprises a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable about an output axis parallel to the input axis. Equipped with Thus, the strips can be fed to and from the feed section in the same or substantially the same orientation relative to the input and output axes, respectively.

In another embodiment, the input and output directions are parallel or substantially parallel. Thus, the strip can exit the feed section in the same or substantially the same direction as it entered the feed section.

In another embodiment, the applicator member is linearly movable in an offset direction. In other words, the movement of the applicator member is a purely linear movement, ie there is no vector component in any direction other than the offset direction.

In another embodiment, the applicator member comprises a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable about an applicator axis, and the orientation of the applicator axis remains fixed during movement of the applicator member in the offset direction. There is even. Therefore, the applicator member does not contribute to the steering of the strip other than by moving the strip in the offset direction.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a strip winding station comprising a strip applicator according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention and a strip winding drum.

The strip winding station therefore has the same technical advantages as the strip applicator according to the first aspect of the invention, and the same technical advantages will not be repeated below.

Preferably, the strip-wound drum is rotatable about the drum axis, and the offset direction is parallel or substantially parallel to the drum axis. The applicator member can thus be moved across the drum in an offset direction parallel to the drum axis.

In a further embodiment, the applicator member comprises a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable about an applicator axis, the applicator member having a neutral orientation in which the applicator axis extends parallel to the drum axis, and It is rotatable about a steering axis transverse to the applicator axis between a steering orientation in which the shaft extends at a steering angle oblique to the drum axis. The steering angle may be set before winding, or the steering angle may be changed during winding. Steering angles can be used between turns to direct the strip into and out of the transition region. Alternatively or additionally, the steering angle can be used to apply a lateral force to the strip during application of the winding itself. Such lateral forces can smooth the material of subsequent turns and/or allow closer or tighter juxtaposition of turns.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method for applying a strip to a strip winding drum using a strip applicator according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention. , the method is
- receiving the strip in the input direction into the feeding section at the feeding position;
- feeding the strip in the output direction from the feeding section to the applicator member;
- applying the strip to the strip-winding drum at an application location by winding the strip in two or more turns around the strip-winding drum;
- moving the application member in an offset direction transverse to the output direction in order to offset the application position with respect to the supply position;
- moving the output member relative to the input member from the starting position towards the offset position, at least by a vector component in the offset direction.

The method relates to a practical implementation of a strip applicator according to the first aspect of the invention and therefore has the same technical advantages, and the same technical advantages will not be repeated below.

Preferably, the output member remains aligned or substantially aligned with the applicator member in the output direction as the output member moves from the starting position towards the offset position.

In a further embodiment, the output member and the applicator member move synchronously in the offset direction.

In a further embodiment, the strip undergoes twisting at a location between the output member and the applicator member as a result of moving the output member in an offset direction. Therefore, in order to facilitate the offset of the output member in the offset direction, the part of the strip moving between the output member and the applicator member is primarily centered around the second twist axis, i.e. along the longitudinal axis of the strip. undergoes torsion about the directional axis. More specifically, stretching or compression of the strip on one of its longitudinal sides can be prevented.

Preferably, the strip undergoes a twist opposite to the twist between the output member and the applicator member at a position upstream of the input member relative to the input direction. Thus, the strip can already be positioned optimally for an offset movement in the feeding section before entering the feeding section, and can return to its original orientation after leaving the feeding section.

In a further embodiment, the strip undergoes opposite twisting at two spaced locations between the input member and the output member. Because of the opposite twist between the input and output members, the strip can enter and leave the feed section in the same or substantially the same orientation, and the strip can move between two spaced locations within the feed section. It can be optimally positioned for movement in the offset direction.

In a further embodiment, the applicator member comprises a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable about an applicator axis, and the method includes a neutral orientation in which the applicator axis extends parallel to the drum axis; The method further includes rotating the applicator member about a steering axis transverse to the applicator axis between a steering orientation extending at a steering angle oblique to the drum axis.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises:
- moving the strip winding drum in an offset direction;
- simultaneously returning the applicator member and the output member in a return direction opposite to the offset direction. After returning the applicator member and output member to their respective starting positions, the steps of the method described above can be repeated for the next transition between windings.

In a further embodiment, the applicator member moves in the offset direction at an offset speed that is a ratio to the rotational speed of the strip-winding drum about the drum axis, and the method comprises:
- further comprising the step of: changing the ratio for subsequent pairs of turns of the strip; The transition area between subsequent pairs of windings can thus be optimized for uniformity of the tire components. In particular, gaps in the outer turns, ie on the sides of the tire components, can be reduced.

The various aspects and features described and illustrated herein may be applied individually to the extent possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features set out in the attached dependent claims, may be the subject of a divisional patent application.

In particular, the variable ratio described in the last embodiment can be applied independently of the strip applicator according to the first aspect of the invention, i.e. without any other limitations of the strip applicator, in accordance with the drawings and description below. It is observed that it can be applied only by controlling the members.

The invention will be explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a strip winding station with a strip applicator according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. 2 is an isometric view of the strip applicator according to FIG. 1 at three subsequent stages of strip winding; FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the strip applicator according to FIG. 1 at three subsequent stages of strip winding; FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the strip applicator according to FIG. 1 at three subsequent stages of strip winding; FIG. FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an alternative strip applicator according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a further alternative strip applicator according to a third exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a further alternative strip applicator according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention during two subsequent stages of strip winding. FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a further alternative strip applicator according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention during two subsequent stages of strip winding. FIG. 9A shows two different options for applying the strip to a strip-wound drum. FIG. 9B shows two different options for applying the strip to the strip-winding drum.

FIG. 1 shows a strip winding station 100 comprising a strip winding drum 9 and a strip applicator 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention for applying a strip S to the strip winding drum 9 . The strip S is wound over multiple turns to form a tire component (not shown) for a green or unvulcanized tire. The strips S may be arranged in one or more layers, each layer comprising several parallel turns.

The strip S shown in FIGS. 1-4 is schematically represented as a thick line without any particular cross-sectional shape, width or height. In practice, the strip S may have a thin flat and/or rectangular cross-section, ie a strip width greater than the strip height. Thus, the strip S has longitudinal sides or edges in its width direction and a top and bottom surface facing each other in the height direction. The strip S has its top or bottom surface facing the guide surface or circumferential surface of the respective member, and more particularly, as will be explained in more detail below, the said top or bottom surface of the strip faces said guide surface or circumferential surface. It will be appreciated that the strip is guided through the applicator 1 in an orientation extending parallel or substantially parallel to the circumferential surface.

Furthermore, the twists and/or twists within the strip S are schematically depicted as occurring within a relatively short length of the strip S. However, such a twist or twist may be more gradual and may extend over a longer length, i.e. over a substantial portion or the entire length of the strip S between two successive members of the strip applicator 1. Good things will be understood.

The strip S moves along the supply path P defined by the strip applicator 1 and is finally wound around the drum circumference of the strip winding drum 9, which is schematically shown in dashed lines in FIGS. shown only in

The strip winding drum 9 has a drum circumferential surface for receiving the strip S from the strip applicator 1. The strip winding drum 9 is rotatable around a drum axis M concentric with the drum circumferential surface. A strip winding station 100 is located between the strip winding drum 9 and the strip applicator 1 to enable the strip S to be applied across the drum circumference in an axial direction A parallel to the drum axis M. configured to provide relative motion. In this exemplary embodiment, the strip winding drum 9 is movable in an axial direction A parallel to the drum axis M.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the strip applicator 1 comprises an applicator member 2 for applying the strip to a strip winding drum 9 in an application position A1 in the axial direction A. In this exemplary embodiment, the applicator member 2 is an applicator roller comprising a roller body 20. The roller body 20 has or defines a circumferential surface 21 rotatable about the applicator axis N1. In this exemplary embodiment, the applicator axis N1 is parallel or substantially parallel to the drum axis M and remains in a fixed orientation with respect to said drum axis M.

The strip applicator 1 further comprises a stitching member 8 for stitching the strip S after it has been applied by the applicator member 2 to the strip winding drum 9 . The stitch member 8 is rotatable about a stitch axis N2 that is parallel or substantially parallel to the applicator axis N1.

The strip applicator 1 includes an applicator frame or holder 10 for holding the applicator member 2 against the strip winding drum 9, and an applicator guide 15 for moving the applicator holder 10 in the offset direction X. Be prepared. The application position A1 is moved or offset in the offset direction X together with the applicator member 2. Preferably, the offset direction X is parallel or substantially parallel to the drum axis M and/or the axial direction A. In this exemplary embodiment, the stitch member 8 is also held by the applicator holder 10. In other words, the applicator holder 10 acts as a common support for both the applicator member 2 and the stitch member 8. In this example, the applicator member 2 moves linearly in the offset direction X, ie without components in other directions other than the offset direction X. In particular, the strip applicator 1 comprises an applicator drive 16, ie a linear drive, for actively driving and/or controlling the movement of the applicator holder 10 in the offset direction X.

As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the strip applicator 1 comprises a supply section 3 for receiving a strip S from an upstream station (not shown). Said upstream station may, for example, be an extruder that feeds the strip S directly to the feed section 3 of the strip applicator 1. Alternatively, the upstream station comprises one or more conveyors, damping members, storage members, etc., i.e. dancer rollers and/or festoon machines, to stabilize the strip S between the extruder and the strip applicator 1. be able to. The feeding section 3 is configured to receive the strip S at a feeding position A2 in the axial direction A. Preferably, the feeding position A2 is fixed or stationary in the axial direction A during strip winding. The strip applicator 1 is configured to receive a strip S in a feeding section 3 along a feeding path extending in a feeding direction D1. In this exemplary embodiment, the feeding direction D1 is transverse or perpendicular to the offset direction X, the drum axis M, and/or the axial direction A. Preferably, the feeding direction D1 is horizontal or substantially horizontal.

The supply section 3 is configured to supply the strip S to the applicator member 2 along an output path extending in the output direction D2. The output direction D2 is transverse or perpendicular to the offset direction X, the drum axis M, and/or the axial direction A. In this exemplary embodiment, the output direction D2 is parallel or substantially parallel to the input direction D1. The input and output paths are parallel or substantially parallel, but spaced apart.

The feed section 3 has inputs that together define a transition segment G in the feed path P of the strip S extending in a transition direction D3 transverse or perpendicular to the input direction D1, the output direction D2 and/or the offset direction X. It includes a member 4 and an output member 5. The input member 4 is positioned in line or substantially in line at or near the supply position A2 in the input direction D1 to receive the strip S in said input direction D1. In this exemplary embodiment, the input member 4 comprises a roller body 40 having a circumferential surface 41 rotatable about the input axis R1. The input member 4 is configured to remain in a fixed or stationary input position A1 during strip winding.

Similar to the input member 4, the output member 5 includes a roller body 50 having a circumferential surface 51 that is rotatable about the output shaft R2. In this embodiment, the input axis R1 and the output axis R2 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

Comparing FIGS. 2 and 3, the output member 5 moves in the offset direction X, or (at least) the vector component V of the offset direction It can be confirmed that the input member 4 is movable with respect to the input member 4. In other words, the output member 5 is configured to follow the applicator member 2 as it moves in the offset direction X. The output member 5 thus remains in line or substantially in line with the applicator member 2 in the output direction D2. Preferably, the output member 5 and the applicator member 2 move synchronously in the offset direction X. This allows the strips S to be output from the supply section 3 in the same output direction D2, regardless of the offset in the offset direction X of the applicator member 2.

In this example, the feeding section 3 includes a feeding frame or holder 30 for holding the input member 4 and the output member 5 relative to each other and for rotating or tilting the feeding holder 30 about a first torsional axis T1. A supply drive section 36 is provided. The first twist axis T1 is parallel or substantially parallel to the input direction D1 and/or perpendicular to the offset direction X. When the supply holder 30 is tilted, the input member 4 and the output member 5 supported by the supply holder 30 are tilted as a whole about the first twist axis T1, with the aforementioned vector component V in the offset direction X, The output member 5 is moved relative to the input member 4. The transition segment G extends in a starting orientation transverse to the output direction D2 and the offset direction tilted to a diagonal offset orientation.

Preferably, the first twist axis T1 is tangent to the peripheral surface 41 of the roller body 40 of the input member 4 and/or coincides or substantially coincides with the input path of the strip S. Due to the inclination of the transition segment G about the first twist axis T1, the strip S is mainly or exclusively centered about the first twist axis T1 along the input path, i.e. the longitudinal axis of the strip S. undergoes a centered twist. In this way, bending, stretching or compression of the strip S on one of its longitudinal sides can be prevented.

In order to compensate for the angular component of the movement of the output member 5 about the first twisting axis T1, the supply holder 30 is moved from the drawing direction E parallel to the transition direction D3 and/or perpendicular to the first twisting axis T1. It is arranged to gradually move the input member 4 and the output member 5 apart, thereby introducing a radial component in the movement of the output member 5 relative to said first twisting axis T1. The output member 5 can thus remain at the same level as the applicator member 2 despite the tilting about the first twist axis T1. In this specific example, the supply holder 30 includes a first holder part 31 that holds the input member 4 and a second holder part 32 that holds the output member 5. The second holder part 32 is movable in the stretching direction E relative to the first holder part 31, and is preferably extendable and retractable, in order to move the input member 4 and the output member 5 away from each other. The extension can be actively, ie pneumatically, controlled. Alternatively, other mechanisms may be used to obtain the stretching of the supply holder 30 in the stretching direction E, i.e. linear drives, linkages, etc.

While the supply holder 30 and/or the transition segment G are tilted about the first torsional axis T1, the output member 5 remains co-linear with the applicator member 2, but the circumferential surface of the output member 5 51 and a second twisting axis T2 that is tangent to the circumferential surface 21 of the applicator member 2. Said second twist axis T2 is coincident or substantially coincident with the output path and/or parallel or substantially parallel to the output direction D2. Again, this allows the part of the strip S extending in said output path to be primarily, exclusively or exclusively subjected to twisting. In particular, the twist of the strip S between the output member 5 and the applicator member 2 is opposite to the twist upstream of the input member 4, so that the twists substantially cancel each other out and the strip S Upstream and downstream of the feed section 3 are essentially the same orientation.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative strip applicator 101 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, which differs from the strip applicator 1 described above in that the applicator member 2 includes an applicator shaft N1, a drum shaft M, and/or can be rotated or tilted about a steering axis K transverse or perpendicular to the offset direction X. The applicator member 2 can be steered in a neutral orientation, with the applicator axis N1 extending parallel to the drum axis M, as shown in broken lines, and in a neutral orientation, with the applicator axis N1 extending parallel to the drum axis M, as shown in solid lines. It can be tilted between a steering orientation extending at angle H. In this exemplary embodiment, the applicator holder 110 is divided into a first holder part 111 and a second holder part 112 rotatable relative to the first holder part 111 about a steering axis K. be done. The alternative strip applicator 101 further comprises a steering drive 113 for driving the rotation of the second holder part 112 about the steering axis K. In this exemplary embodiment, steering axis K intersects stitcher axis N2. Alternatively, the steering axis K may be located near or at the applicator axis N1.

The steering angle H may be set before winding or may be changed during winding. In order to apply a lateral force to the strip S, the steering angle H can be used between turns or during the application of the turns themselves to direct the strip into and out of the transition region.

FIG. 6 shows a further alternative strip applicator 201 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention, which differs from the previously described strip applicators 1, 101 in that the applicator member 2 and the output member 5 are offset in the direction differ in that they are mechanically coupled and/or interconnected for movement in synchronism with. More specifically, the supply section 203 comprises a supply holder 230 mechanically interconnected with an applicator holder 210 by a connecting frame or member 211. Due to said connecting member 211, the output member 5 follows the position of the applicator member 2 in the offset direction X. The supply holder 230 is configured such that the supply holder 230 can be rotated relative to the connecting member 211 about a second torsional axis T2, i.e. in line with or coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the strip S in the output direction D2. The connecting member 211 is hingedly coupled to the connecting member 211 so that the connecting member 211 can be connected. The supply holder 230 ensures that as a result of the displacement of the applicator member 2 in the offset direction X, the input member 4 and the output member 5 have the same oblique orientation.

In this alternative embodiment, no feed drive is required. The position of the input member 4 and the output member 5 is automatically changed as a result of the displacement of the applicator member 2 in the offset direction X by the applicator drive 16.

Additionally, supply holder 230 can be telescopingly extended as described above. However, the relative position between the output member 5 (coupled to the applicator member 2 via the connecting member 211) and the input member 4 causes the supply holder 230 to automatically or passively follow and/or extend. Therefore, the telescoping motion of the supply holder 230 does not need to be actively driven.

7 and 8 show a further alternative strip applicator 301 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention, which differs from the previously described strip applicators 1, 101, 201 in that the feeding section 303 is transitional. The difference is that the same offset in the offset direction X can be generated by a relatively small angular displacement of said transition segment G, since it is designed to increase the length of the segment G. Furthermore, instead of upstream and downstream of said feeding section 303, the strip S is twisted within the feeding section 303.

To increase the length of the transition segment G, the feed section 303 includes a first diversion or redirection member 306 for receiving the strip S from the input member 304 and a first diversion or redirection member 306 for directing the strip S towards the output member 305. a second detour or redirection member 307. First redirection member 306 is located on the opposite side of input member 304 from output member 305 . The second redirection member 307 is located on the opposite side of the output member 305 from the input member 304 . A transition segment G is defined between the first redirection member 306 and the second redirection member 307, and thus the relative positioning and/or distance between the input member 304 and the output member 305 It's irrelevant.

As shown in FIG. 7, the input member 304 includes a roller main body 340 having a peripheral surface 341 that is rotatable around the input shaft R1. The input axis R1 is parallel or substantially parallel to the drum axis M, the axial direction A, and/or the offset direction X. The output member 305 includes a roller main body 350 having a circumferential surface 351 that is rotatable around the output shaft R2. In this example, the output axis R2 is parallel or substantially parallel to the input axis R1.

The first deflection member 306 comprises a roller body 360 having a circumferential surface 361 rotatable about a first deflection axis R3 transverse or perpendicular to the input axis R1 and/or the transition direction D3. The second direction change member 307 includes a roller body 370 having a circumferential surface 371 that is rotatable about a second direction change axis R4 that is transverse or perpendicular to the output axis R2. In this example, the second redirection axis R4 is parallel or substantially parallel to the first redirection axis R3. The strip S is thus fed twice within the feed section 303, once between the input member 304 and the first diverting member 306, and once between the second diverting member 307 and the output member 305. You can do one more twist. Since the twists are in opposite directions, the twists of the strips S can cancel each other out. On the other hand, the strip S can be optimally positioned to enter and exit the transition segment G without significant stretching on the longitudinal sides of the strip S.

Comparing FIGS. 7 and 8, the second redirection member 307 and the output member 305 are offset in an offset direction with respect to the input member 304 and the first redirection member 306, which remain fixed or stationary in said offset direction It can be confirmed that it moves linearly in the direction of X. In particular, a further alternative strip applicator 301 comprises a supply holder 330 that holds both an input member 304 and a first deflection member 306 and is linearly movable on a supply guide 335 in an offset direction X. The applicator holder 310 and the supply holder 330 may be integrally or mechanically interconnected, i.e., interconnected by a connecting frame or connecting member 311, in order to synchronize the movement in the offset direction X. Good too. Alternatively, a further alternative strip applicator 301 includes a feed drive (not shown) for actively driving or controlling the linear movement of the feed holder 330 in said offset direction X in synchronization with the applicator member 2. ) may be provided.

As a result of the linear movement of the second deflection member 307 relative to the first deflection member 306, the transition segment G rotates or tilts about the first deflection axis R3 with at least a vector component V in the offset direction X. do. Although the length of the transition segment G may increase slightly, the elongation is kept to a minimum due to the relatively large radius and relatively small angle of inclination of the transition segment G with respect to the first turning axis R3. It will be done.

Here, a method of applying the strip S to the strip winding drum 9 using the aforementioned strip applicator 1, 101, 201, 301 will be briefly described.

The strip S is first received in the strip applicator 1, 101, 201, 301 at the feeding position A and then guided through the feeding section 3, 303 and then from the feeding section 3, 303 to the applicator member 2. and applied to the strip winding drum 9, optionally using a stitcher member 8.

The strip S is wound around the strip winding drum 9 over two or more turns W1, W2. When the first winding W1 is substantially completed, the applicator member 2 is quickly moved in the offset direction X to offset the application position A1 with respect to the supply position A2. As a result, the strip S passes from the first winding W1 to the second winding W2, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, before continuing to the second winding W2, as shown in FIG. moving through a small transition area to. The output member 5, 305 is moved simultaneously with the applicator member 2 relative to the input member 4, 304 from the starting position B1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 towards the offset position B2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 8. Thus, the parts of the strip S between the output member 5, 305 and the applicator member 2 can be kept in line or substantially in line with each other, but the strip S is primarily undergo twisting.

When the strip S passes into the second winding W2, the strip winding drum 9 can catch up by moving slowly in the offset direction It is returned at the same speed in the return direction Y, which is opposite to . After returning to their initial position, the strip applicators 1, 101, 201, 301 are ready for another quick offset in the offset direction X. If timed correctly, the strip winding drum 9 can move at a constant low speed, i.e. without interruption, and the strip applicators 1, 101, 201, 301 can move with a rapid transition and slow return. Do this alternately.

9A and 9B show different options for controlling the behavior of the applicator member 2 relative to the strip winding drum 9 in order to obtain the transition between windings W1, W2.

FIG. 9A shows a situation in which each transition of the strip S from one winding W1 to the next winding W2 is constant. In other words, the applicator member 2 moves in the offset direction X with an offset speed that is a constant ratio to the rotational speed of the strip winding drum 9. The shape, pitch, orientation and/or length of the strip S in the transition region between each pair of turns W1, W2 is therefore constant. This results in a substantially constant overall transition area Z1 across the strip winding drum 9, with each transition having substantially the same length L in the circumferential direction, as indicated by the dimensional arrow L. Also, each transition begins and ends at the same circumferential angular position. This strategy leaves a relatively large gap F1 in the outer turns W1, W2.

FIG. 9B shows that the ratio between the offset speed of the applicator member 2 and the rotational speed of the strip winding drum 9 is adjusted between successive pairs of windings W1, W2 in order to obtain a variable overall transition area Z2. Indicates a changing situation. In particular, the offset speed of the applicator member 2 in the offset direction X can be increased or decreased while the rotational speed of the strip winding drum 9 remains constant. As a result, the transition region Z2 formed by said variable ratio is not constant. In this example, the offset speed of the applicator member 2 is relatively high compared to the rotational speed of the strip winding drum 9 in the outer windings in the axial direction A, and towards the more central windings W1, W2. This decreases to obtain a relatively short transition region at the outer turns, as indicated by the dimensional arrows L1, L3, and a relatively long transition region at the central turns W1, W2, as indicated by the dimensional arrow L2. This results in an overall transition region Z2 having the shape of an ellipse, a pointed ellipse or a Vesica Piscis.

Furthermore, the subsequent transitions can be slightly shifted relative to each other in the circumferential direction so that the entire transition area Z2 extends diagonally or spirally along the circumference of the strip winding drum 9. This allows transitions to be nested and moved closer together. As a result, the angle of the transition region in the outer turns W1, W2 can be made very sharp and the resulting gap F2 in said outer turns W1, W2 can be made very small.

It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art that would fall within the scope of the invention.

It will be appreciated that more components can be introduced into the strip applicator 1, 101, 201, 301, for example to guide the strip S along different strip paths P. In particular, one or more additional roller bodies can be provided in the feed path P in the transition segment G. As a result, the transition segment G is not necessarily straight.

Furthermore, different types of applicator members, input members, output members or diverting members can be selected, ie from the group including brush rollers, crown rollers, conveyors, belt conveyors, etc.

1 Strip applicator 10 Applicator holder 15 Applicator guide 16 Applicator drive section 2 Applicator member 20 Roller body 21 Circumferential surface 3 Supply section 30 Supply holder 31 First holder section 32 Second holder section 36 Supply drive section 4 Input member 40 Roller body 41 Surrounding surface 5 Output member 50 Roller body 51 Surrounding surface 8 Stitching member 9 Strip winding drum 100 Strip winding station 101 Alternative strip applicator 110 Applicator holder 111 First holder part 112 Second Holder part 113 Steering drive 201 Further alternative strip applicator 210 Applicator holder 211 Connection member 203 Supply section 230 Supply holder 301 Further alternative strip applicator 310 Applicator holder 311 Connection member 303 Supply section 330 Supply holder 335 Supply guide 336 Supply drive section 304 Input member 340 Roller body 341 Circumferential surface 305 Output member 350 Roller body 351 Circumferential surface 306 First direction changing member 360 Roller body 361 Circumferential surface 307 Second direction changing member 370 Roller body 371 Circumference Surface A Axial direction A1 Application position A2 Supply position B1 Start position B2 Offset position D1 Input direction D2 Output direction D3 Transition direction E Stretching direction F1 Gap F2 Gap G Transition segment H Steering angle K Steering axis L Length of transition area L1 Length of transition area L2 Length of transition area L3 Length of transition area M Drum axis N1 Applicator axis N2 Stitch axis P Supply path R1 Input axis R2 Output axis R3 First redirection axis R4 Second redirection axis S Strip T1 First twist axis T2 Second twist axis V Vector component W1 First turn W2 Second turn X Offset direction Y Return direction Z1 Overall transition area Z2 Overall transition area

Claims (38)

A strip applicator for applying a strip to a strip winding drum, the strip applicator comprising:
The strip applicator comprises an applicator member for applying the strip to the strip winding drum in an application position, and a supply position for receiving the strip in an input direction and supplying the strip to the applicator member in an output direction. a supply section for dispensing, the applicator member being movable in an offset direction transverse to the output direction to offset the application position relative to the dispensing position; , an input member in the supply position for receiving the strip in the input direction, and an output member for outputting the strip to the applicator member in the output direction, the output member having at least the offset a strip applicator movable relative to said input member from a starting position toward an offset position in a vector component of the direction; The output member is configured to remain aligned or substantially aligned with the applicator member in the output direction as the output member moves from the starting position toward the offset position. The strip applicator according to item 1. The strip applicator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the output member and the applicator member are movable synchronously in the offset direction. The strip applicator includes an applicator holder for holding the applicator member, the feed section includes a feed holder for holding the output member, and the applicator holder and the feed holder A strip applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip applicator is mechanically interconnected to synchronize movement of the applicator member and the output member in an offset direction. The feed section defines a feed path for the strip, the feed path being between the input member and the output member in the output direction and the offset direction when the output member is in the starting position. 10. A transition segment according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a transition segment extending in a starting orientation transverse to the starting orientation and tilting in an offset orientation oblique to the starting orientation when the output member is in the offset position. strip applicator. 6. The strip applicator of claim 5, wherein the transition segment extends in the starting orientation in a transition direction transverse or perpendicular to the offset direction and the output direction. 7. A strip applicator according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the transition segment is tiltable about a first twist axis parallel or substantially parallel to the input direction. 8. The strip applicator of claim 7, wherein the input member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface, and the first twist axis is a tangent to the circumferential surface of the roller body of the input member. 9. The strip application of claim 8, wherein the input member is configured to receive the strip in the input direction along an input path, and the first twist axis coincides or substantially coincides with the input path. Ta. The output member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface, the applicator member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface, and the output member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface and a circumferential surface of the output member and the applicator member. A strip applicator according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the strip applicator is tiltable relative to the applicator member about a second twist axis that is tangent to the applicator member. A strip applicator according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the input member and the output member are generally tiltable about the first twist axis. The feed section includes a feed holder for holding the input member and the output member relative to the first twist axis, and the feed holder, the input member, and the output member are arranged relative to the first twist axis. 12. The strip applicator of claim 11, wherein the strip applicator is generally tiltable about an axis. The supply holder includes a first holder section that holds the input member, and a second holder section that holds the output member, and the second holder section is oriented relative to the first holder section. 13. The strip applicator of claim 12, wherein the strip applicator is movable in a stretching direction to move the input member and the output member away from each other. The strip applicator according to claim 13, wherein the second holder part is telescopically movable with respect to the first holder part in the stretching direction. The strip applicator according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the stretching direction is perpendicular or transverse to the first twist axis. The feed section includes a first diverting member for receiving the strip from the input member and a second diverting member for directing the strip toward the output member, and the transition segment includes: 7. The strip applicator of claim 5 or 6, defined between the first redirection member and the second redirection member. The first redirection member is located on a side of the input member opposite the output member, and/or the second redirection member is located on a side of the output member opposite the input member. 17. The strip applicator of claim 16, located on the side. The input member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface that is rotatable around an input shaft, and the first direction change member is rotatable around a first direction change axis that is transverse or perpendicular to the input shaft. The strip applicator according to claim 16 or 17, comprising a roller body having a circumferential surface that is rotatable. The output member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable around an output shaft, and the second direction change member is rotatable around a second direction change axis that is transverse or perpendicular to the output shaft. 19. The strip applicator of claim 18, comprising a roller body having a circumferential surface that is rotatable. 20. The strip applicator of claim 19, wherein the first turning axis and the second turning axis are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The first deflection member comprises a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable about a first deflection axis, and the transition segment is tiltable about the first deflection axis. The strip applicator according to any one of items 16 to 20. A strip applicator according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the second direction change member and the output member are linearly movable in the offset direction. The input member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable around an input shaft, and the output member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable around an output shaft parallel to the input shaft. A strip applicator according to any one of the claims. A strip applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input direction and the output direction are parallel or substantially parallel. A strip applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the applicator member is linearly movable in the offset direction. The applicator member comprises a roller body having a peripheral surface rotatable about an applicator axis, the orientation of the applicator axis remaining fixed during the movement of the applicator member in the offset direction. A strip applicator according to any one of the preceding claims. A strip winding station comprising a strip applicator according to any one of the preceding claims and a strip winding drum. 28. The strip winding station of claim 27, wherein the strip winding drum is rotatable about a drum axis, and the offset direction is parallel or substantially parallel to the drum axis. The applicator member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable about an applicator axis, and the applicator member has a neutral orientation in which the applicator axis extends parallel to the drum axis; 29. The applicator shaft is rotatable about a steering axis transverse to the applicator shaft between a steering orientation in which the shaft extends at a steering angle oblique to the drum axis. Strip winding station as described. 27. A method for applying a strip to a strip winding drum using a strip applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 26, comprising:
The method includes:
- receiving the strip in the input direction in the feeding section at the feeding position;
- feeding the strip from the feeding section to the applicator member in the output direction;
- applying said strip to said strip winding drum at said application position by winding said strip two or more turns around said strip winding drum;
- moving the applicator member in the offset direction transverse to the output direction to offset the application position with respect to the supply position;
- moving the output member relative to the input member from the starting position towards the offset position by at least a vector component in the offset direction. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the output member remains aligned or substantially aligned with the applicator member in the output direction as the output member moves from the starting position toward the offset position. . 32. A method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the output member and the applicator member move synchronously in the offset direction. 33. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the strip is subjected to twisting at a location between the output member and the applicator member as a result of moving the output member in the offset direction. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the strip is subjected to a twist opposite to the twist between the output member and the applicator member at a position upstream of the input member with respect to the input direction. 33. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the strip is subjected to opposite twists at two spaced locations between the input member and the output member. The applicator member includes a roller body having a circumferential surface rotatable about the applicator axis, and the method includes a neutral orientation in which the applicator axis extends parallel to the drum axis; further comprising rotating the applicator member about a steering axis transverse to the applicator axis between a steering orientation in which the applicator member extends at a steering angle oblique to the drum axis. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 35. The method includes:
- moving the strip winding drum in the offset direction;
- simultaneously returning the applicator member and the output member in a return direction opposite to the offset direction. the applicator member is moved in the offset direction at an offset speed that is a proportion of the rotational speed of the strip-wound drum about the drum axis;
38. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 37, further comprising: - changing the ratio for subsequent pairs of turns of the strip.

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